Electrically assisted bicycles: "potentially more dangerous than a traditional bicycle"

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22913003

Rev Med Suisse. 2012 Jul 25;8(349):1513-7.

[Electrically assisted bicycles: health-enhancer or "green" gadget?].

[Article in French]

Welker J, Cornuz J, Gojanovic B.

Source

Service de médecine du sport, Département de l'appareil locomoteur, Site hôpital orthopédique, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. joris.welker@hospvd.ch

Abstract

Electrically assisted bicycles (EAB) are flourishing in cities throughout the world and capitalize on ecological and practical advantages, helping in the fight against pollution, CO2 emissions and traffic jam. Human power is necessary to activate the electrical support, so that it equals to a moderate intensity physical activity (> 3 MET), or a vigorous one on hilly courses (>6 MET). The ecological benefits are obvious and transportation departments tend to support citizens who purchase one. EAB offer increased mobility at speeds of 15 to 25 km/h depending on hills and fitness of the rider, but could cause more accidents. EAB is linked to a real physical activity beneficial for health, but potentially more dangerous than a traditional bicycle.